How to Include a Sick Relative in Your Big Day

Most couples would agree that the ideal wedding celebration includes the presence of their loved ones, but ailments occasionally make it impossible for your nearest and dearest to attend. However, your VIPs need not be left out of the nuptial festivities if you simply make use of modern technology. Our etiquette experts weigh in on simple ways to ensure relatives who cannot attend due to illness are not out of sight or out of mind on your big day.

In this modern age of infinite technological solutions, there are a myriad of ways to include an absentee loved one in your big day. Indeed, the option of virtual attendance can ensure that anyone with a health condition can witness your wedding without risk. If your relative has an established Internet connection and computer on hand, you can utilize Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Viber to broadcast your wedding ceremony as long as you elect a trustworthy "videographer" to film the event from a vantage point that captures everything yet doesn't impede your guests from witnessing your vows. Should you decide to wed in a destination locale, Voca provides a similar video calling function for cross-continental conversations. Additionally, the usage of a wedding hashtag can allow guests to post memorable wedding moments to Instagram and live tweet the wedding for guests who can't attend.

As you prepare for your wedding, make sure your venue possesses a steady Internet connection on which you can rely for a fuss-free broadcast of your nuptials. You may wish to give take your chosen tech solution for a test drive before the big day to ensure the plan can be successfully executed, as well as work out any kinks that may arise during the trial. On the day of your wedding, make sure to hire a tech troubleshooter or enlist the aid of a savvy friend to guarantee the screening occurs according to plan. With a computer specialist in place, you can enjoy your big day sans anxiety over technological difficulties.